Possible Clues:

• Meeting between two of the last four still in a knockout competition
• Important test at a big rig driving school?
• ... when involved in ground-breaking match
• Important packs provided, round near the end
• In flames? I lit match
• Condition entering important round of cup
• Supposing that, entering important round of cup
• Specially planned meals if in later stage of competition
• Highly influential, if admitted to part of penultimate round
• Sort of match that could make fan smile -- gripping one